Fox Valley Real Estate Blog - The Kombrink Team

The “Take It or Leave It” Attitude Is Fading from the Market – What That Means for You

Negotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too. 

That’s why whether you’re buying or selling today, there are two terms you’ll hear a lot: concession and incentive.

• A concession is something a seller agrees to during negotiations to get a deal done.

• An incentive is a perk a builder (or a seller) advertises upfront to attract buyers.

Let’s run through what you need to know about both and how they could play a role in your move.

More Sellers Are Agreeing to Concessions

Almost half (46%) of homeowners who sold recently gave the buyer a concession, according to Redfin. That’s the highest share on record for this time of year. And roughly…

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Open Houses This Weekend in Geneva, Batavia & St. Charles, IL: July 11-12, 2026

If you’re planning to tour homes this weekend, Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles are three of the best places to start your search in the western suburbs. The Tri-Cities offer a strong mix of downtown charm, Fox River scenery, established neighborhoods, parks, trails, local restaurants and a wide range of home styles.

Below, you’ll find open houses scheduled for Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, 2026 in Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles, Illinois. Open house times and availability can change quickly, so it’s always smart to confirm details before heading out.

Geneva, IL Open Houses This Weekend

Geneva remains one of the most popular stops for buyers in the Tri-Cities. Between its downtown, Metra access, Fox River setting, restaurants,…

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Spacious St. Charles Ranch on Over an Acre with Walkout Basement

6N192 Weber Dr, St Charles, IL

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$445,000

Ready for more space, more privacy and the chance to build instant sweat equity? Situated on over an acre in a prime St. Charles location, this sprawling 3 bedroom, 3 full and 2 half bath ranch offers 2,363 square feet of opportunity and endless potential. Sold as-is, this home features generous room sizes throughout, including a spacious living room, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and tile backsplash, plus an inviting family room with plenty of space to gather. Hardwood flooring can be found in all bedrooms, while luxury vinyl plank…

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What To Expect from the Housing Market in the Second Half of 2026

If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're not the only one. Mortgage rates stayed higher than people wanted. Affordability remained tight. And uncertainty overseas added another layer of pressure nobody saw coming.

That's why so many people are asking the same question: Will the second half of the year be any better for the housing market?

While nobody has a crystal ball, there are a few encouraging signs things could start moving in a better direction. Here's what to watch.

Mortgage Rates Could Be Near a Turning Point 

One of the biggest reasons mortgage rates haven't come down yet is inflation. And higher energy prices and uncertainty overseas are at least part of the reason inflation is still elevated. The…

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Student Loans Are Back in the News. Don't Let It Put Your Homeownership Plans on Hold.

Student loans are back in the spotlight. And whether you've been following the headlines closely or just catching bits and pieces here and there, there's a good chance they've been on your mind lately.

And if you’re questioning whether you have to hit pause on your plans to buy a home, here's the thing you have to remember:

Having student loans doesn't automatically mean buying a home has to wait.

The Biggest Myth About Student Loans and Buying a Home

One of the most common misconceptions among first-time buyers is that they have to pay off their student loans before they can qualify for a mortgage. But in most cases, that's just not true. 

As an article from Redfin explains, student loans usually get evaluated the same way other debts do,…

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End Unit Townhome for Sale in Cambridge Lakes: 1282 Newport Cir, Pingree Grove

1282 Newport Cir, Pingree Grove, IL

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$319,900

Welcome to Cambridge Lakes in Pingree Grove, where comfort, convenience and community amenities come together in this spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath end unit townhome. Set on a landscaped lot with a vinyl and stone exterior, charming front porch, brick paver patio and 2-car attached garage, this home offers great curb appeal and easy everyday living. Inside, a 2-story foyer creates a bright first impression and leads into generous living spaces, including a formal dining room, large family room and a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and…

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What Buying or Selling a Home Gives Back to Your Community

Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision. And right now, it feels even bigger. Inflation is high, costs are high, and you want to be sure the timing is right before you make your move. 

But if you do decide to go for it, whether you're buying or selling, here's something reassuring to hold onto. Not only does your move change your own life, but it also gives your whole community a boost.

Real estate is a huge part of the economy. In 2025, it added up to about $5.6 trillion, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). A good share of that comes from everyday people buying and selling homes, just like you.

Your Move Puts Real Money Into the Local Economy

Every sale sends money flowing through your area. NAR data shows…

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Extensively Renovated Brick Home in Geneva’s Mill Creek Community

0S642 Brannon Ln, Geneva, IL

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$985,000

Set on a desirable corner lot in Geneva's award-winning Mill Creek community, this extensively renovated brick home offers exceptional updates, space and thoughtful design throughout. A dramatic 2-story foyer with split staircase, art niche and large coat closet creates an impressive first impression, while new flooring extends throughout the main living areas. The inviting living and dining rooms feature crown molding and chair rail accents, with the living room also offering a charming window seat. The beautifully updated kitchen is designed for everyday living and…

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Down Payments Are Smaller Than They’ve Been Since 2021

Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home. And with affordability as tight as it’s been lately, it’s fair to wonder how anyone manages it right now. Here’s something you may not have seen coming. 

Some people are getting their foot in the door with a smaller down payment.

According to Realtor.com, the typical buyer put down about $23,400 in early 2026 – that's around $5,000 below what was typical the year before (a 19% drop year over year). That’s the lowest down payments have been since 2021 (see graph below):

So why are buyers putting less money down, and how can you put less down, too? Here’s your answer.

Why Down Payments Are Getting Smaller

There are a few things driving the trend:

• Less…

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The Housing Market Is Stronger Than You Think

You've probably heard plenty of doom and gloom about the housing market lately. High rates. Stretched budgets. Headlines that make buying or selling sound like a terrible idea. But the data tells a very different story. 

This isn't 2020 or 2021. It was never going to be. Those were the "unicorn years" – historic low mortgage rates, bidding wars on everything, homes flying off the market in days. That kind of market was a once-in-a-generation anomaly, not a baseline. So, when people compare today to that, of course it looks rough.

But compared to almost any other housing market in modern history? This one is holding up remarkably well.

Homeowners Are Sitting on a Mountain of Equity

One of the biggest reasons this market hasn't cracked is the…

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